Experts are currently investigating a mysterious lung disease linked to use of e-cigarettes which has affected around 150 people around the country.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 149 people nationwide had contracted a severe respiratory illness after vaping.

In the past e-cigarettes have been marketed as a way to enjoy smoking with fewer of the health risks of traditional cigarettes, but news of a second death will no doubt have people questioning their safety.

So just how safe is vaping?

There’s no doubt the advice surrounding the safety of vaping is somewhat conflicted.

"Numerous studies from health groups in the UK have concluded that using an e-cigarette, known as vaping, is better for your health compared to smoking,” explains Dr Diana Gall, from www.doctor-4-u.co.uk.

“A report by Public Health England, which was compiled by several UK-based academics, found that vaping is 95% safer than smoking. Cancer Research UK has also given its support to people using vaping as a means of fighting against smoking related diseases.”

Experts believe one of the main reasons is because e-cigarettes don’t burn tobacco, so should therefore eliminate the risks associated with tar.

“When you smoke or use an e-cigarette, you inhale nicotine, but unlike smoking, the nicotine from e-cigarettes comes in a vapor and doesn’t require burning tobacco,” Dr Gall explains.

“That means that vaping does not expose the body to unpleasant substances such as tar and carbon monoxide, which can cause cancers and are among the biggest threats to health when smoking cigarettes or other tobacco products.”

Vaping isn’t without health risks

Researchers from the University of Athens recently found that flavourings in e-cigarettes harm the lungs by causing inflammation.

Smokers looking to quit often turn to vaping in the belief that it is better for their health, but analysis, conducted on mice, showed that even in the short-term, the inflammation vaping caused was similar or worse than conventional cigarettes.

Researchers compared several groups of mice that received whole-body exposure to varying chemical combinations four times each day, with every session separated by 30-minute smoke-free intervals.

Being vape safe

While the information about the health risks associated with vaping may be somewhat confusing, there are some steps you can take to ensure you’re being as vape-safe as possible.

“The safest thing to do is to use high quality, official e-cigarette products,” advises Dr Gall.

“There are tight regulations for selling e-cigarettes in the UK, so you’re likely to be safe using them as long as you use them properly and avoid bootleg vaping products which could contain more harmful substances.”

It’s important to follow guidelines with regards to charging too.

“There have been reports of e-cigarettes catching fire or exploding, but the main cause of this issue is using the wrong charger,” Dr Gall says.

“As long as you use the right charger for your e-cigarette and avoid leaving them charging unattended or overnight, then nothing should go wrong with them.”

According to Dr Gall if you are pregnant, then leading UK baby charities recommend using NRT products such as gum and patches to stop you smoking.

“However, if you find vaping useful to stay smoke-free, then this is much safer for you and your baby compared to smoking," she adds.